Search

OTTAWA, Jan. 23 /CNW Telbec/ - Transport Canada is reminding Canadians
that consultations for the country's first motor vehicle fuel consumption
regulations have begun, as announced on January 17, 2008 by the Honourable
Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
The Government of Canada recognizes that the transportation sector is one
of the largest sources of greenhouse gas emissions in Canada and for the first
time the government will regulate the fuel consumption of cars and light
trucks, beginning with the 2011 model year.
Consultations on the development of the fuel consumption regulations will
include provinces and territories, the automotive industry, environmental
non-governmental organizations and other stakeholders. A short issue brief has
been developed to inform these consultations. The issue brief, "A Better
Canada - A Cleaner Environment: Development of Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption
Regulations," is available at
www.tc.gc.ca/pol/en/environment/FuelConsumption/index.html.
All interested parties are encouraged to review the brief and submit
their views in writing to Transport Canada no later than March 15, 2008, to
Brenda Hensler-Hobbs, executive director, Motor Vehicle Fuel Consumption
Regulations Task Force, at:
Transport Canada
330 Sparks Street
Place de Ville, Tower C
Ottawa ON K1A 0N5
e-mail: mvfcrtf@tc.gc.ca
Following consultations, the Government of Canada will publish draft
regulations in the Canada Gazette, Part I. This will be followed by a 90-day
comment and review period to provide a formal opportunity for Canadians to
respond. The Government of Canada will then review the comments in order to
develop final regulations. These final regulations will be published in the
Canada Gazette, Part II, by the end of 2008. The regulations will come into
force for the 2011 model year.
The Government of Canada is serious about tackling climate change,
cleaning up the environment and protecting the air Canadians breathe today and
for generations to come. Taking concrete action and setting mandatory targets
to reduce emissions from major sectors is a key part of the government's work
towards delivering real results for all Canadians to clean up our air and
tackle climate change.
A backgrounder that provides more information about fuel consumption in
Canada is available at www.tc.gc.ca/mediaroom/releases/nat/2008/08-h006e.htm.

For further information:

For further information: Karine White, Office of the Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, Ottawa, (613) 991-0700; Media
Relations, Transport Canada, Ottawa, (613) 993-0055; Transport Canada is
online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at
www.tc.gc.ca/listserv/and keep up to date on the latest from Transport Canada.
This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons
with visual disabilities.